by Elena Fay

Tag Archives: fashion drawing

People often email me or DM on Instagram with questions about how to draw fashion illustration, fashion figures and drawing techniques. Instead of answering same questions over and over again, I will share some tips and tricks here. As soon as you know the basics, everything will be so much easier. Hope you’ll find it fun and helpful! I also posted some videos of creating a fashion figure on Instagram @dcinstyle

There is no THE RIGHT WAY nor THE ONLY WAY to draw a fashion figure. Every artist has his/her own particular style so don’t be intimidated by the variety of tutorials and different techniques. All you need is to learn the basics and choose the technique that works for you.

It’s important to first understand the human body, how it moves, and how it is shaped so you can create realistic looking sketches.

There is a big difference between real human body proportions and fashion illustration proportions. If you measure a figure in heads, an average female figure will be 8 heads tall (example below). In fashion illustration we change the proportions to make the figure look taller and it can become 8-10 heads. Every illustrator adds their own style. Some artists exaggerate proportions to make their sketches stand up and be recognizable.

Here is a simple formula that I use to draw a fashion illustration

Tools:

Paper, Pencil, Sharpener, Eraser, Colored pencils or markers

Step 1

Draw 9 inch vertical line -so it’s easy to divide it into 9 parts – it will be the balance line

Step 2:

Divide the line into 9 equal parts (each part will be the size of the head)

At the beginning you can use a ruler but after some practice you will feel pretty confident and will draw without itStep 3

At the top (part1) draw a head (egg/oval shape)

Step 4

Now lets find the lines for the neck, bust, waist, hips, crotch, knees and ankles.

1 1/3 heads -the neck and shoulder line

2 1/4 heads -bust line

3 heads – waist and elbow line

4 heads- hips line

4 1/4 -crotch line

6 heads-knees

8 heads -ankles

Step 5

Shoulders will be about 1 1/2 -2 heads wide

The waist is 1 head wide

Hips -1 1/4 heads wide

Draw the figure, don’t pay attention to rough lines, when the proportions are correct, make the lines smooth.

Step 6

Draw the legs and leave the last part for the feet.

The thighs (from hips to knee) and the calves (from knee to ankle) are the same length

Step 7

Draw the arms-elbows are at the waist line (3 heads)

Hand starts at the crotch area and ends a little above the mark 5

Hope this tutorial was helpful, please let me know if you have any questions and what would you like to learn in my next post

How is your week going so far? Here are some of the moments that made my week so great. I’m excited to show you one of the projects that I’ve done for amazing designer Eula and her EKT design company. Visit EKT facebook page and show her some love!

Also, one of my favorite looks was posted to InStyle page, wooohooo:) And of cause, my sweet little bug makes every single day brighter! What happened to you this week?Sneak peek of my next illustration

If you one of my fellow readers you probably know that every week I post illustrations of stylish bloggers. There are so many incredibly fashionable people out there who can inspire us to find our style and that is why I started the fashion inspiration series.

The muse of today’s post is Lynzy@Sparkling Footsteps blog. First of all, I want to congratulate Lynzy on her pregnancy-sooo excited for you girl!! This lovely mommy to be is very elegant and stylish. Her gorgeous Vintage Valentino coat look caught my eye and I couldn’t resist to draw this romantic illustration. Hope you like it my lovelies!

I saw these gorgeous Zara studded sandals many times via Lookbook, Instagram and other social media and every single time it feels like the first time! I almost forgot about them but then I spotted this pair on Lauren’s blog Fashionably Lo yesterday and just couldn’t resist to draw this quick illustration, hope you like it (it actually looks much nicer on paper-ughh… bad excuse:)!!!! Anyway, Lauren is incredibly stylish and chic girl from DC who likes styling affordable pieces and creating amazing outfits, so don’t forget to check out her blog!

I will announce the winner of Anne Klein scarf Giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned!!!

And the muse of my fashion inspiration post is beautiful Vanessa from “Stylishlyme”. Vanessa’s blog reflects her passion and desire to submerge herself in every aspect of fashion. On her blog you’ll find great style tips and tutorials and I’m sure you’ll be impressed by her outfit posts! I really like the post “How to wear a cape” and created this illustration based on this look. If you like my illustrations you can participate and be featured in my fashion inspiration series that I write every Friday.